You hadn’t really noticed how much Sakamoto and Shin had been moving forward without you until recently.

Yeah, you of course saw them frequently at the store, but they were always up to something important, something that didn’t include you. It was safe to say it made you feel a little useless.

Your only comfort was Lu. Along with you, she’d also been sidelined in the eventful life of your coworker and boss. It made you feel less guilty, less singled out that you weren’t the only one feeling less than important.

Her presence made you feel at peace. That’s why sitting with her at the little table in front of the store as it was just about closed felt not too miserable. Shin and Sakamoto were both out doing something important, while the two of you shared a beer and waited for the last minute to run its course before you could officially lock up.

This peace wasn’t just yours, but hers as well. It was something you shared because you two knew you were the only ones who could feel the same kind of uselessness together.